Playful Machines and Creative Sparks: A Global Workshop on Automata Tinkering
Six weeks of hands-on invention, kinetic sculpture, and collaborative learning—perfect for artists, educators, and curious minds alike. Thursdays from 18th September to 23rd October 2025
If you’ve ever been mesmerised by the whimsical motion of a mechanical sculpture—or felt the urge to build something that comes alive with a crank or cam—this workshop might just be your next creative adventure.
From our friends at Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, we’re thrilled to share details of their upcoming workshop: the Automata Tinkering Global Workshop, returning this September for its 12th edition. This brilliantly crafted, six-week online course brings together artists, makers, educators and tinkerers from around the world to explore the joyful intersection of art, engineering, and movement.
Led by Ryan Jenkins from Wonderful Idea Co., with support from Loulou Cousin and an international team of educators, the course runs Thursdays from 18th September to 23rd October 2025. Each session (held live on Zoom) combines practical tinkering with inspiring studio tours, artist interviews, and real-time collaboration in a small cohort of 24 participants.
What’s Included?
Participants will receive a specially designed Automata Tinkering Kit by post (international shipping included, except for the EU), which contains:
Over six weeks, you’ll explore cams, linkages, drive mechanisms, and materials—gaining both technical skill and creative confidence. You’ll leave with several working prototypes and a new way to think about movement and storytelling.
Who’s It For?
Whether you're:
an artist looking to expand your practice
an educator exploring STEAM-based learning
a curious tinkerer interested in mechanical play
or someone seeking a fresh medium for expression
…this course welcomes you, no matter your experience level (recommended for ages 16+).
You’ll need a computer with a good internet connection, a working space (kitchen table is perfect), and a few common household materials from a provided list.
📅Dates, Price & Registration
When: Thursdays, 4–6pm (UK time), from 18 Sept to 23 Oct 2025
Early Bird Price: £395 (available until 30 June 2025)
Full Price: £445 (until 26 August 2025)
Max Participants: 24
Scholarships Available: Partial scholarships available for underrepresented audiences and non-traditional learners – email cmt-learn@cabaret.co.uk to apply.
“I absolutely loved this. Your friendly expertise had me learning enthusiastically in leaps and bounds... I feel I have an excellent foundation to press on with this excellent oddball pursuit.”
— Kathryn R., October 2023
A Global Creative Community
One of the most exciting aspects of the workshop is the chance to connect with like-minded creators from across the globe. You’ll also go behind the scenes with celebrated automata artists via live studio tours and Q&A sessions.
Past guests have included Paul Spooner, Lisa Slater, Carlos Zapata, Martin Smith, Aaron Kramer, and more. You’ll get to see their tools, methods, materials—and maybe even a few secrets of their craft.
Reviews
“As someone who doesn’t consider themselves an artist, I was nervous to join—but within five minutes of the first class, I felt totally welcomed. I’ve never learned so much, so quickly, in such a warm and creative environment.”
— Marsha S., March 2023
“This was a joyful, collaborative and beautifully organised experience. I came for the mechanics, but I stayed for the community.”
— Zoe P., March 2023
If this sounds like your kind of making magic, I highly recommend checking it out. Registration closes 26th August 2025 to allow time for materials to be shipped.